Greece is set to implement significant changes to maternity benefits, introducing a unified system that aims to simplify rules for all insured workers while enhancing support for self-employed women.

The Ministry of Labor plans to include the reform in legislation covering Professional Insurance Funds (ΤΕΑ), standardizing the benefit model previously applied only under the former IKA system. The reform applies to all private-sector employees, including workers in banks, public utilities (ΔΕΚΟ), and media companies, while leaving public-sector entitlements unchanged.

Key Changes for Private Employees

Under the new framework:

  • During the first month of maternity leave, 50% of wages will be paid by EFKA (Unified Social Security Fund) and 50% by the employer.
  • For the following three months, the cost will be split equally between EFKA and DYPA (Public Employment Service).

For employees in banks and ΔΕΚΟ, the total amount remains the same, but the funding source is adjusted to align with the new unified system, promoting fairness across different sectors.

Boosted Support for Self-Employed Mothers

The most substantial changes affect self-employed women, freelancers, and female farmers. Fixed, low benefits are being replaced by amounts tied to each insured person’s contribution category.

  • EFKA will cover 50% of the insured wage for four months.
  • DYPA will pay the remaining 50% for three months.

This adjustment means higher contributors will receive correspondingly higher maternity benefits. Many self-employed women could see support multiply up to four times compared to the previous €150–€200 monthly, while farmers will receive proportionally more than the former lump sum of €486.

Maintaining Public-Sector Benefits

Public-sector employees, including those in local authorities and former OPAD/TYDKY systems, will continue to receive five months of full pay funded entirely by the state or relevant authority.

Ending Multi-Speed Inequalities

Despite the unification under e-EFKA, variations still exist across former insurance funds:

  • Former IKA: 50% EFKA, 40% DYPA, 10% employer.
  • Banks (TAYTEKΩ): 100% EFKA for four months.
  • ΔΕΚΟ: employer bears full cost.
  • Media (ETAP-MME): 100% EFKA for four months.
  • Self-employed: fixed low rates.

The new reforms aim to eliminate these disparities, creating a more transparent and equitable maternity benefit system for all insured women in Greece.